‘¦ Longtime Lakers owner Jerry Buss, who is battling cancer, has been hospitalized in the intensive care unit and has been visited by former players who are saying what they fear will be their final goodbyes, according to multiple reports.

Buss, 79, has been hospitalized several times in recent years. His son, Jim, who oversees basketball operations for the team, said Thursday that his father was “doing fine” and declined to offer any details.

The Lakers have won 10 championships under Buss’ ownership, which began in 1979. Despite his health issues, Buss has continued to be involved in team decisions, including the hiring of coach Mike D’Antoni in November.

‘¦ Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scullydenied former catcher[11]Mike Piazza[12]‘s accusations that Scully “crushed” him in the media and helped turned the fans against him, leading to Piazza’s trade from the team in 1988.

In his new book, Piazza blamed Scully for referencing the player’s contract negotiations during an interview in 1988 and implying Piazza was not showing loyalty to the club.

“That’s not true at all,” Scully told the Los Angeles Times. “As God is my judge, I don’t get involved in these things. I can’t imagine I would ever put my toe in the water as far as a player and his negotiations.

“I have no idea where he is coming from. I really have no idea. I can’t imagine saying something about a player and his contract. I just don’t do that, ever. I’m really flabbergasted by that reference.”

‘¦ High-powered NBA agent David Falk, who also is a Wizards[13] season ticket-holder, called Washington Post[14] columnist Mike Wise and took the team to task for its inability to compile a quality roster.

“The team is going nowhere,” said Falk, who is perhaps best known for serving as Michael Jordan[15]‘s agent. “[Coach] Randy [Wittman] is doing a great job with minimal talent. You’re one of two things in the NBA: either one player away from contending or you’re rebuilding. The Wizards are in limbo. I love [general manager] Ernie [Grunfeld] and [owner] Ted [Leonsis], but I’d rather have Orlando’s team in four years.”

Another one of Wise’s targets was point guard John Wall[16], the No. 1 overall pick in 2010.

“He doesn’t have a feel for the game,” Falk said. “He only knows how to play one speed. ‘¦ You can develop your jump shot all you want, but if you don’t know how to play more than an up-and-down game by the time you’re about 20 as a point guard, the chances of learning are very slim. I don’t see it happening.”

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA (answer below): On Feb. 15, 1985, which Massachusetts-born NHL player scored his 42nd goal of the season to break the league record for American-born players?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “It was just everything. Me not playing well. Me being in an unfamiliar area in an environment that was toxic. Just all those things combined. You start to say, ‘Is this ever going to end?’ ” – Former Red Sox[17] outfielder Carl Crawford, reflecting on his time in Boston [18]

STAT OF THE DAY: 20 – Years since the Clippers have won the season series vs. the Lakers; the Clippers clinched this season’s series by improving to 3-0 with Thursday’s 125-101 rout.

‘NET RESULTS (mobile users, check the website to see the videos): Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp dresses up as the team’s mascot and surprises a female Blackhawks fan on Valentine’s Day.